Smugglers coves and stunning waterfalls - 10 things to do in delightful Devon

Hope Cove, Devon

DISCOVER a smugglers cove, spectacular waterfalls and stunning beaches.

 

1. Explore Hope Cove - once a favourite haunt for smugglers.

 

White Lady falls at Lydford Gorge

Now, it's a charming holiday destination five miles west of Salcome with two beaches.

The Hope Cove pub there has also recently been renovated, so a great place to pop in for a pint. www.visitdevon.co.uk

2. Try surfing at Bantham Beach.

It's a one of Devon's premier beaches, loved by families, plus the good news is, it's within driving distance of Salcombe and Kingsbridge. www.banthamdevon.co.uk

3. Be surprised by the Avon Dam Reservoir, near South Brent.

It's a great little place just off the main A38 south Devon expressway and the perfect place for a relaxing walk.

If you park in Shipley Bridge car park, you can take the valley walk which follows the River Avon up to the shores of the reservoir.

4. Travel back in time to the 1920's to see Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear, Devon.

The National Trust-owned house and garden property was created in the time of the jazz age in the Arts and Crafts style. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

5. Be amazed by England's highest manmade waterfalls, Canonteign Falls, in south Devon.

The 70 metre high waterfall in the Teign Valley is a magnificent example of a Victorian folly. www.canonteignfalls.co.uk

6. Marvel at the spectacular 30metre waterfall at Lydford Gorge, near Tavistock.

It's the deepest gorge in the South West and a great place to walk round at any time of year. nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge/

7. Bask in a sheltered bay at Blackpool Sands, in south Devon. It's an amazing and award-winning 'Blue Flag' family beach with turquoise blue sea.

There are kayaks for hire, a lifeguard on hand and the Venus Beach Cafe sells wonderful, organic food. www.blackpoolsands.co.uk

8. Be intrigued by Torre Abbey, Torquay which, in September becomes the hub of the annual Agatha Christie Festival.

There's even a free, 'Agatha Christie trail map' which takes you on a tour of famous mysterious locations from her books.

One nice walk is to Anstey's Cove, a peaceful, shingle beach on the coast path between Torquay and Babbacombe. www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie/literary-trail

9. Enjoy the stunning views from Start Bay in Devon. It's a 15 mile stretch of spectacular coast with wonderful views and golden shingle beaches.

10. Take to The Tarka Trail, in Devon.

This series of 30 miles worth of footpaths and cycle paths follows the route taken by Tarka the Otter in the well-known book. www.devon.gov.uk/tarkatrail